Dragon whelp
- For the Warcraft III unit, see Dragon Whelp (Warcraft III).
| Dragon whelps | |
|---|---|
 A red whelp. | |
| Classification | Medium Quadruped Dragon |
| Faction/Affiliation | Dragonflights |
| Racial leader(s) | Varies |
| Racial mount | Self-powered flight |
| Homeworld | Azeroth |
| Language(s) | Draconic, Common |
Dragon whelps (aka dragon whelplings, dragonlings, or broodlings)[1][2][3] are the smallest members of the dragonkin species. They are the youngest and weakest variation of dragons adventurers face. In most cases, however, where there are whelps, their larger cousins are close by, as for their defense is responsible the entire flight, who gather their eggs into large clutches where they are well guarded within their individual sanctums.[4] Additionally, some whelps such as Wrathion have demonstrated significant intelligence and magical ability despite their physically weak dragon forms.
Whelp rearing is a delicate art. It is important to provide a variety of activities for growing whelps to develop their fine motor skills. Dragonspawn teach them the basics of flying through small games,[5] the whelps then playing more games such as maneuvering through mountains by themselves.[6]
Whelps are generally raised communally and not specifically by their parents, thought some like Adazius do.
After an egg hatches, it may take a decade or more for a whelp to reach maturity.[4]
Biology
Whelps are conscious while in their eggs.[7] Close contact before hatching allows clutch-mates to form special bonds due to a keen awareness shared by all egg-bound dragons.[4]
A typical whelp measures approximately half the size of an average human and is quickly capable of both flight and limited breath attacks. Though impressive, the whelp stage of development is often the most dangerous for a dragon because they have yet to develop the armored scales of its older brethren.[4]
Whelps shed their scales more frequently when they are young, and gradually shed less as they mature. As such, they have more tender spots on their body than older drakes and so dragonspawn whelp-tenders must make sure they don't play too rambunctiously with each other. Whelps who are too feisty should have their claws trimmed regularly.[5]
Whelps have a teething period where it is preferred to let them gnaw on material such as leather or bone, but most can't stand the taste of tree bark or cloth.[5]
Whelps sleeps a lot, and naptime is part of their routine.[8]
Types of whelps
Dragon whelps come in a variety of colors and are found in many different locations.
- Main Dragonflights
Black whelps
Blue whelps
Ley-whelps
Bronze whelps
Green whelps
Red whelps
- Others
Chromatic whelps
Infinite whelps
Nether whelps
Plagued whelps
Twilight whelps
Undead whelps
Storm whelps
Nightmare whelps
Proto whelps
Mechanical whelps
As companions
Even smaller and weaker than dragon whelps, are dragon whelplings. These are pint-sized companion dragons that in many cases are dropped by the dragon whelp versions of themselves.
[70] 
Combat dragonlings
Mimicked to represent dragon whelps, engineers have developed schematics to create a mechanized version of these tiny dragons known as dragonlings. Unlike whelp companions however, dragonlings will fight for you, are only temporary, and are restricted to engineers.
Types of combat dragonlings:
Notable whelps
Awbee
Chronormu - During 
[35 Daily] The Protectors of Hyjal. Due to time travel she has also been shown at other stages of development.
Singe- Snarlflare
Wrathion - Before 
In the RPG
The males are 4'2" in height while the females are 4'0". They weigh 170 - 180 lbs.[9]
Gallery
Red, bronze, and green whelps (old models).
Plagued, blue, and black whelps (old models).
Nether, chromatic, and infinite (old models).
.png)
- Legion model
Deathwing played from a card in the animated short Hearth and Home.
_HS.jpg)
- Other
Dragonflight proto-dragon whelp.
Dragonflight wylderdrake whelp.
Whelps being educated at the Ruby Life Pools.
Whelp Eggs mini in Warcraft Arclight Rumble.
See also
References
- ^ [52] Broodling Essence
- ^ Atramedes#Adventure Guide
- ^ World of Warcraft: The Magazine Volume I Issue II
- ^ a b c d World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex, pg. 120
- ^ a b c Vaeros#Quotes
- ^ The Demon Soul, chapter 11
- ^
[35] To Catch a Thief Wrathion says: Don't look so surprised! We dragons are conscious, even within our shells.
- ^ Nursery Direction#Notes
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 40, 49
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